Rwanda gorilla trekking tour adventures are the ultimate primate trekking tour experiences in the land of A Thousand Hills. The country is among the few places on the planet with mountain gorillas. Mountain gorillas are endangered primates that live in the forested mountains of East and Central Africa.
Apart from Rwanda, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo are the other two countries with mountain gorillas. The democratic republic of Congo also has eastern lowland gorillas in Kahuzi Biega National Park. These are bigger compared to the counterpart mountain gorillas and are endemic to Kahuzi Biega.
Today’s focus is on Rwanda gorilla trekking tour adventures that amazing and bring you up close with the rare primates.
Where to go gorilla trekking
Rwanda gorilla trekking tour adventures are done in Volcanoes National Park. The park is located in Northwestern Rwanda about a 3-hour drive from Kigali Rwanda’s capital. Volcanoes National Park is part of the Virunga massif and conservation area. The Virunga massif is a chain of Volcanic mountains along the Rwanda, Uganda, and DRC border. There are ten in total and Rwanda has five of them shared with Uganda and DRC respectively.
Volcanoes National Park has 12 gorilla families that are fully habituated are open to tourism. A typical mountain gorilla family comprises an adult alpha male called Silverback. This dominates and leads the family of subordinate females, blackbacks, juveniles, and infant gorillas. Mountain gorilla families usually range from one to ten or more individual gorillas. They have an actual family setting and hiking the forested mountains to meet them is among the best primate safari adventures.
Mountain gorillas are among the most endangered primate species. Their total population is currently estimated at 1100 remaining in the wild. Over 450 live in the Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and the rest in the Virunga massif. Volcanoes National Park has the highest gorilla population in the Virunga massif making it the best gorilla trekking tour destination in the region.
Gorilla Trekking Rules
Rwanda gorilla trekking tour adventures have several set rules and regulations. These were set for the safety of both the gorillas and visitors given that mountain gorillas are still wild animals despite their DNA similarity with human beings.
Gorilla trekking is limited to individuals who are 15 years and above. This is because the trek is done in forested mountains and requires some reasonable fitness that young people may not manage. Below 15 one is also not mature enough to handle the whole jungle experience including wildlife species encounters.
Only 8 individuals are allowed to trek to one gorilla family a day. Once getting to the gorillas, they are required to keep a 7-meter distance away. This is because gorillas can charge when they feel encroached on and threatened by strangers. The distance is also aimed at reducing the chances of communicable disease transmission to and from the gorillas. One is also required to minimize noise while in the presence of the gorillas. It is highly recommended to avoid straying away from the people you are with on the gorilla trekking tour adventure.
All these rules are for the best of your Rwanda gorilla trekking tour adventure.
Best Time to Visit
The Rwanda Gorilla trekking adventure can be had any time of the year. For the best experiences, it is however recommended to visit during the dry season from June to October. December to March are also relatively dry and a great time for gorilla trekking tour adventures.
Gorilla trekking is regardless doable even in the wet season months. During these months rainfall is highly unpredictable and can occur at any time of the day. The tracking trails are usually muddy early mornings from the due and it is still important to wear waterproof pants and have rain gear just in case.
Accommodation Options
Volcanoes National Park has several accommodation options ranging from budget to luxury lodges. Notable lodges where you can stay include Virunga Lodge, Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge, and Da Vinci Lodge among others. Many of these are located a few minutes drive from the park headquarters.
Given that Rwanda gorilla trekking is a morning activity, you are expected to be at the park by 7:00 am. It saves a lot booking one of the lodges near the park to avoid the inconvenience of waking up early for the transfer.
Other Rwanda Tour Adventures
Rwanda is not just to mountain gorillas but also to other primates including chimpanzees. Chimpanzees live in Nyungwe Forest which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nyungwe Forest has the highest chimpanzee population in Rwanda. The park is also home to several other primates including colobus monkeys, and L’hoest monkeys among others. It is also Rwanda’s most important birding area. The forested park is home to over 300 birds including the Albertine Rift Valley endemics.
Rwanda has only one savanna national Park (Akagera) located in the Eastern part. The park just like other Rwanda parks is very diverse. It is the region’s largest protected wetland and Rwanda’s second most important bird area after Nyungwe. Akagera is home to all the Big Five mammals, big cats, and many other savanna wildlife species. Many of these are spotted while on game drives in the park.
Visit Rwanda for the ultimate gorilla trekking tour adventure and encounter with the giant apes. You can join other Discovery Journeys safari expeditions including a Kenya safari featuring the wildebeest migration and exclusive Tanzania Honeymoon Tours. Contact Us now to start planning.
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